The Archimedes Screw

The Archimedes Screw is an ancient device designed to lift water for irrigation and drainage. It consists of a helical screw enclosed in a cylinder. When the screw is turned, water is trapped in the spirals and lifted upward as the screw rotates. This simple yet effective mechanism uses minimal energy and can efficiently lift water from lower to higher elevations, making it ideal for agricultural and engineering applications. Named after the Greek mathematician Archimedes, it demonstrates the principles of mechanical advantage and fluid dynamics. Today, variations of the screw are still used in modern water management systems.